The anti-fouling paints used today are based on physically drying binders.

The majority of paints prevent

fouling by releasing bioactive materials that interfere with the biological processes of the fouling
organisms. Bioactive materials used today are mainly cuprous oxides or organic biocides. The ability to
register new biocides is based on the environmental profile of the new product. It is very difficult and
expensive to register new biocides. Anti-fouling paints are subject to the most extensive regulations of any
paint. In some countries, they have to be registered and approved for use by the relevant regulatory bodies
of that country.
New advances in anti-fouling technology have resulted in improved biocide release systems and in foul
release coatings which do not use biocides to control the fouling but prevent the fouling organisms
adhering effectively to the paint surface.

Self-polishing Anti-fouling Coatings

In contact with seawater, the binder dissolves at an even and predictable rate. As the anti-fouling paint is
removed by a polishing action or the friction effect of the water, the bioactive material is released at an
even rate and this enables coatings to remain fouling free even when the vessel is not moving. The
polishing nature of the coating results in a smooth finish to the hull, as the polishing rate is highest at the
roughest points.

Insoluble Matrix (Controlled Depletion) Coatings

This is an old anti-fouling technology and is based on the use of rosin which is slightly soluble in sea
water, but it is also brittle and slowly releases biocides. Rosin-based paints need other film forming resins
to provide their mechanical strength and the load of bioactive material must be high enough for the
particles of this material to be in contact with each other.

Foul Release Coatings

This type of paint is a relatively new addition to the category of anti-fouling paint. The mechanism for
effective anti-fouling in this coating type is based on the low free surface energy of the coating surface.
Fouling organisms find the surface unattractive. Biocides are not used, and therefore these coatings are not
affected by legislation commonly affecting other biocide containing antifouling paints.